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The diplomatic efforts to negotiate a revised Iran nuclear deal received a new addition on Tuesday, with sources confirming that Nick Stewart, a leading Iran hawk from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action, has joined the United States negotiating team. Mr. Stewart’s appointment marks a significant shift in the negotiation strategy with the possibility of increased pressure tactics.
Mr. Stewart has been a vocal advocate for a robust and aggressive stance on Iran, advocating for continued sanctions and the option of military force in order to secure more concessions from the Islamic republic. His addition to the negotiation team could potentially influence the current diplomatic approach to be more restrictive, which may impact the already stalled negotiations.
According to sources, the United States negotiating team now includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Middle East envoy Hady Amr, and Special Representative for Iran Negotiations Robert Malley. The inclusion of Nick Stewart alongside these prominent officials could signal a renewed willingness by the US administration to adopt a more assertive stance in the Iran nuclear negotiations.
Mr. Stewart has been a key figure at the FDD Action, a leading pro-Israel lobbying think tank that has been vocal in its opposition to Iran’s nuclear program and its regional influence. Stewart’s views on Iran align with the broader stance of the think tank and its supporters in Congress.
Joining the negotiations team alongside Mr. Stewart are Special Representative Robert Malley and Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman’s assistant, D Vance. Senior Adviser to the President, Jared Kushner, continues to play a leading role in the negotiations, alongside the newly named Special Representative, Steve Witkoff.
As negotiations between the United States, Iran, and European signatories remain stalled, the addition of a hawkish voice such as Mr. Stewart may be seen as an attempt to reignite stalled talks or secure concessions from Iran. However, given the complex nature of this dispute, it remains to be seen whether Mr. Stewart’s inclusion will shift the US administration’s overall stance on Iran or simply serve as a tactical maneuver within the negotiations.
The Iran nuclear deal reached in 2015 has faced challenges and criticism from lawmakers across the United States, with concerns surrounding its limitations and potential loopholes. US involvement in the agreement could be further complicated by the involvement of Mr. Stewart in the negotiations, given the deep divides within the US Congress over Iran.
The addition of Mr. Stewart to the Iran nuclear negotiations has sparked speculation over the US administration’s intentions and its willingness to engage with Iran over the highly contentious nuclear deal.